The discussions regarding Pete Alonso’s contract with the Mets have shifted significantly due to the decrease in the perceived worth of the baseman compared to initial estimations. Just a year back, Alonso rejected a $158 million proposal from the Mets; he believed that an even more rewarding agreement was within reach. However, with the current state of the market and other first-base options available, the Mets seem unwilling to meet his highly anticipated asking price of 200 million. According to multiple reports, Alonso’s current asking price may not even reach $138 million over six years, a figure that now seems more realistic given the shrinking market.

Alonso’s camp, led by agent Scott Boras, had hoped to secure a deal similar to those of other high-profile power hitters in the game. However, with a glut of first basemen available and some big-market teams focused on other areas of need, Alonso’s free agency has struggled to gain momentum. While the Mets originally saw Pete Alonso as a cornerstone of their future, they now appear more cautious, especially as they assess the aging curve of Alonso’s career. His power remains elite, but his defensive metrics and reliance on one-dimensional production may give a pause to a long-term investment.

A 138 million figure, a realistic benchmark or a compromise?

SNY posted a video on X of an insider, Andy Martino, in discussion with Sal Licata, Anthony McCarron, and Jim Duquette, giving his thoughts on Pete Alonso entering the Mets. He said, “I think $138 million is a number that could mean something to Alonso because as we know, he turned down $158 million for the Mets about a year and a half ago and made about $20 million last year. That’s a contract that I don’t know that he’s going to reach in this industry right now.”

He further stated, that for the Mets, offering Alonso a high average annual value on a short-term deal with opt-outs presents a logical middle ground. This would allow the team to keep him in the lineup while maintaining flexibility. A deal worth $25-30 million per year for a couple of seasons could be a fair compromise, ensuring Pete Alonso’s bat remains in the heart of the lineup without locking the team into a massive long-term contract.

As of early January, neither side appears ready to accept a deal that diverges significantly from their expectations. With the free agent market for first basemen already filling up, Alonso and the Mets face a pivotal decision. The longer the situation drags on, the more likely it becomes that Alonso will need to reassess his contract demands—or potentially entertain offers from other suitors like the Seattle Mariners or San Francisco Giants.

Who’s in the Market for Pete Alonso’s Power Bat?

Pete Alonso’s market intrigue remains alive despite initial setbacks, with teams still in need of a premier power hitter to anchor their lineups. The Seattle Mariners are reportedly adding firepower to their lineup to support Julio Rodríguez effectively. Targeting Alonso to join the team’s roster at T-Mobile Park despite its pitcher dimensions possibly affecting his performance a bit. However, the team is hopeful that Alonso’s consistent ability to hit over 40 home runs per season could inject needed energy into the Mariners’ offense by providing stability in the middle of the batting order.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants have Pete Alonso on their radar as they look to bolster a lineup that hasn’t had a 30-home-run hitter since Barry Bonds in 2004. Alonso’s power would provide the pop the Giants sorely need to compete in a stacked NL West, particularly after rivals like the Dodgers and Diamondbacks made significant upgrades this offseason. The Toronto Blue Jays, too, remain in play, having sought middle-of-the-order reinforcements like Anthony Santander. As free agency narrows, Alonso’s profile as a proven slugger ensures he won’t lack suitors, though the eventual terms of his deal might surprise many.

In the end, whether the Mets bridge the gap with a creative short-term deal or Pete Alonso finds a new home, his future remains one of the offseason’s most intriguing storylines. The resolution will not only shape Alonso’s career but also the trajectory of whichever team secures his services.